An important detail in today's Wall Street Journal: Maria Bartiromo "has reported substantial pieces on Citigroup 11 times since 2004, according to a review of CNBC transcripts, including four interviews with Mr. Thomson."

Also: "Inside CNBC and NBC Universal, according to executives and reporters for the channel, there is a feeling that the channel and Ms. Bartiromo have been caught in unfair crossfire from Citigroup. These people say Citigroup was concerned that Mr. Thomson might be leaking Ms. Bartiromo information -- particularly after the anchor broke the news that former chairman Sanford Weill planned to leave the company -- and therefore didn't distance her from the Thomson imbroglio. A Citigroup spokeswoman declined to comment." More...